The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
An active shooter — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — is at large after opening fire near near I-75 in Kentucky, striking multiple people, according to authorities.
Authorities are in search of a Couch, considered a “person of interest” in a shooting that broke out just after 6.30pm near the interstate highway — nine miles north of London, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Although authorities initially closed I-75 at Exit 49 and US 25 due to an “active shooter situation,” at around 9.20pm, the sheriff’s office announced that the highway had reopened in both directions.
Officials warned against approaching him, as he is considered “armed and dangerous.”
He has not yet been apprehended, according to London Mayor Randall Weddle.
Seven people were injured — not all from gunshot wounds — and none have died as a result of the incident, the mayor said. Others were injured from an accident. The victims have not yet been identified and their conditions have not been released.
Governor Andy Beshear urged locals to avoid the area in a post on X: “Kentucky, we are aware of a shooting on I-75 in Laurel County. Law enforcement has shut the interstate down in both directions at exit 49. Please avoid the area. We will provide more details once they are available.”
Who is the suspect?
Joseph A Couch, 32, was named the “person of interest” connected to the shooting.
Authorities described Couch as a white male approximately 5’10 weighing approximately 154 lbs.
As of 11pm, he is still at large.
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 04:04
Laurel County legislators issue a statement condemning ‘senseless violence’
“While the situation at I-75 and US 25 is ongoing, we ask community members to avoid the area and request those who live in the vicinity remain in their homes as local law enforcement and the Kentucky State Police work. “As we continue to learn more about this attack, we ask for prayers for everyone involved, the victims, their families, and the first responders. Without a doubt, this is an act of senseless violence that does not reflect the values of this community, our Commonwealth, or its people.”
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 03:46
Five were shot in the rampage: report
Five people were shot in Saturday night’s incident, according to the New York Times.
The London mayor had previously stated that seven people had been injured, but specified that “some” of them had been injured in a car accident. He added that authorities are looking for the suspect — identified as Joseph A Couch, 32 — in “rugged terrain.”
Police told the outlet that helicopters and infrared scanners were being used to search for the gunman in the woods in Laurel County.
The victims have not yet been identified and their conditions have not been released.
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 03:02
The highway re-opens but suspect still at large, police say
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 02:26
Authorities identify ‘person of interest’
Laurel County Sheriff’s Office identiy Joseph A Couch, 32, as a ‘person of interest’ in the shooting near I-75.
“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts or location on this individual please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000.”
Police warned against approaching Couch.
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 01:59
Seven injured, none killed, and suspect is still on the loose, according to the mayor
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 01:49
This shooting comes days after the mass shooting in Winder, Georgia
The Kentucky shooting comes days after a 14-year-old opened fire at his school in Winder, Georgia. He is accused of killing four people — two students and two teachers — and injuring nine others.
The suspected shooter Colt Gray faces murder charges and will be tried as an adult.
His father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, also faces charges. On Thursday, one day after his son’s deadly rampage, Colin was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Wednesday’s shooting marked the 385th shooting in the US this year.
More on the tragedy here:
Kelly Rissman8 September 2024 01:43
